I’m scared! Even though Jesus says, “Be not afraid.” I am. Why? Recent experiences and happenings have me on edge. Fewer people are attending mass. There is a lack of priestly and religious vocations, not in just the Catholic Church, but in non Catholic Churches, too. There are fewer lay people stepping forward. Just try finding someone to teach religious education, attend men and women groups, youth groups, or even attend special church functions.
Looking around it is easy to notice the few families with small children. We’re having a bunch of funerals and few baptisms. The passing of liberal abortion laws could not have happened without the Catholic and other Christian votes. Even fewer Catholics are believing that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus, but only symbolic. What about confessions?
We are a church in crisis! Our three-fold enemies, Satan, the world, and our sinful selves are winning the day. While actual numbers of active members is not the hallmark of parish success, no church can survive without active members. The truth seems to be that we laity and religious cannot depend on others to do the work of Christ. Each one of us is gifted by baptism for the service of our church community. Perhaps, the greatest gift we have is presence. Just show up. Help out!
I am not only scared, but I am also frustrated. The old 80-20 rule will not suffice. Twenty percent of the people cannot support the eighty percent who don’t participate. We are getting old. At the beginning of the Bible it says, “Then the Lord asked, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ He (Cain) answered, ‘I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?’ (Gen. 4:9) While none of us has killed his brother, the question still burns in our hearts and souls. I imagine God still asking the question of me, “Where are your brothers?” My answer, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” I am at a loss. I want my church to prosper. I want all of my family and friends to be saved. I want my church to be vibrantly healthy. I feel helpless, powerless. What can I do?
I can pray, trust in Jesus, and invite. All men and women, children, elderly, young, single or married, rich and poor and any race, are invited. If you don’t come forward the enemy wins. In any case, “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. For through your goodness, we have these gifts to offer…” The greatest gift we have to give is ourselves. Jesus died for you. Will you live for him? I beg, please come and get involved. I promise, you won’t regret it.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
